Best of 2024

In the late-nineties and early 2000s, I think I watched a movie a week, if not two. Was there more choice, more quality films? Maybe I’m getting too picky with my movie choices now. When I’m only watching twenty films or so a year, it’s hard to create a comprehensive list of the best films. I also blame the higher quality of television that keeps me home. Anyway, here’s my list of the best of 2024. Enjoy.

TOP 10 FILMS OF 2024

1. SATURDAY NIGHT
Plot: It’s an intense ninety minutes before the first Saturday Night Live.
Why: Even when the show is not at its best, I am a forever fan of Saturday Night Live. I am enjoying the celebrations around this landmark series 50th year including this cinematic gem. I love the way Jason Reitman directs the chaos behind the premiere of SNL despite some far fetched moments. Condensing the mayhem to a tight ninety minutes got my blood pumping as I watched the cavalcade of actors take on the real egos and anxieties of the Not Ready for Primetime Players. 
MVP: Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) – the determined visionary ringleader
Highlight: Andy Kauffman distracts the execs and ignites a drive to the end
Full Review: Click here

2. WICKED: PART ONE
Plot: Glinda befriends the green Elphaba before Dorthory arrives in Oz.
Why: Some musical adaptations do not work but this one blew me away. I love the stage musical and this one hits all the right notes from singing to production design. While it is lengthy, there is not much I would remove. I can forgo worrying about the lesser second part for now. This sweeping musical epic was definitely worth waiting for.   
MVP: Galinda (Ariana Grande) – a chip off the Chenoweth with a hair toss
Highlight: “What Is This Feeling” is a classic musical crowdpleaser
Full Review: Click here

3. A COMPLETE UNKNOWN
Plot: Bob Dylan breaks into the folk scene before transitioning to electric.
Why: I wouldn’t call myself a Bob Dylan fan but I was very impressed with this film’s storytelling and the acting chops of Timothee Chalamet. This guy can do anything. As I get older, I appreciate folk music more than I thought I would. This film got me to nod my head as I listened to the rich lyrics, the perfect strumming, and distinctive vocalizations. I also really liked the production design too.
MVP: Bob Dylan (Timothee Chalamet) – simply electric (pun intended)  
Highlight: The Newport Folk Festival where Dylan takes a stand
Full Review: Click here

4. CONCLAVE
Plot: The selection of a new pope leads to power struggles and secrets.
Why: Love a behind the scenes story. Looking at the election of a new pope is intriguing and I was riveted to the power plays among the cardinals. Not only is there a thriller tone to this film but it also has one heck of a twist I did not see coming. I hope more people give this film a chance.  
MVP: Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) – his quiet leadership has such intensity
Highlight: Every secret ballot is filled with edge of seat anticipation
Full Review: Click here

5. THE FALL GUY
Plot: A stuntman must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend’s film.
Why: I’ll admit that I ranked this higher initially but I think that was because I was finally having some fun watching a film. It was a pretty lackluster beginning of the year with the exception of Dune. Gosling is so charming as Colt Seavers, he gets the great lines, the stunts and the girl. The script is a tad bloated but one cannot deny the enjoyment on screen. Maybe it is their dips into cartoonishness that kept it from being a blockbuster.
MVP: Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) – a great follow-up to Ken
Highlight: Tom Ryder’s bevy of Post-It Notes at his apartment
Full Review: Click here

6. INSIDE OUT 2
Plot: Riley's a teenager dealing with new emotions, friends and hockey.
Why: I loved the first one and didn’t think this sequel was necessary. However, they still did a dynamite job with it. Riley is older and has new emotions but it gets a little crowded in her brain. I will always appreciate the clever use of puns and other word play which this film is chock full of. Please don’t try for another sequel though; we’re good.  
MVP: Anger (Lewis Black) – I love that there is a role for him to shine in
Highlight: Sarcasm – so clever.
Full Review: Click here

7. BAD BOYS: RIDE OR DIE
Plot: Mike and Marcus are wanted men when they defend their dead boss.
Why: I like the way Will Smith and Martin Lawrence interact with each other. It’s their comradery that makes this franchise work. The storylines are getting more far-fetched and the choices are more questionable but I am still along for the ride. They need to stop attempting to retire though.
MVP: Reggie (Dennis Greene) – the verbally abused son-in-law packs heat
Highlight: Will Smith getting smacked in the face a number of times
Full Review: Click here

8. DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Plot: Deadpool needs Wolverine to leave retirement to save his world.
Why: It’s hard to get invested in a fight scene where both members are able to regenerate but I’m still on board. The story weak but there is enough humour and violence to keep things chugging. There are also a lot of wink, wink scenes and stuff that only appeals to those who research Marvel, like me. I will credit some fine music choices to accompany the many fight scenes throughout.     
MVP: Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) – he is a Marvel messiah with great lines
Highlight: Chis Evans is not the cameo we expected and what a rant
Full Review: Click here

9. BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F
Plot: Axel returns to Beverly Hills when his daughter’s life is threatened.
Why: Yup, it is all nostalgia and comfort food. I’m the intended audience so I am done for it this time. The storyline has some gaping holes but is still enjoyable. This is really just an excuse so Eddie Murphy can leave us with a better Axel Foley that their third installment (which does get made fun of).
MVP: Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) – he doesn’t run but he can still talk fast
Highlight: Nasim Pedrad’s real estate agent trying too hard to sell a house
Full Review: Click here

10. DUNE: PART TWO
Plot: Paul Atreides avoids leadership but seeks to avenge his family.
Why: Not quite the Empire Strikes Back of this trilogy but still an epic romp. While this film could be tighter and shorter, there are a lot of great action sequences and dramatic tension. The cast is superb. The sandworms bring up more questions than answers but at least are entertaining to watch.
MVP: Stilgar (Javier Bardem) – “Lisan al Gaib”
Highlight: The Fremens emerge from the sand for an epic fight scene.  
Full Review: Click here

Again, no network shows this year. The streamers have tighter seasons and stronger casting. I am hoping that these shows don’t go the Stranger Things route of making me wait multiple years for the next season. Thankfully, Slow Horses is constantly releasing their stuff. Others should take note. As usual, most of my choices are based on how eager I was to watch the next episode whether is be a binge on Netflix or week by week on Apple TV+. These are the shows that kept me wanting more this year: 

TOP 10 TELEVISION SHOWS OF 2024

1. RIPLEY (NETFLIX)
Why: I was riveted by the subtle acting of Andrew Scott and the gorgeous black and white cinematography in this slow-burn thriller.
MVP: Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) – he is masterful in his manipulations
Best Episode of 2024: Lucio (S01E05)
Freddie’s arrival may ruin Tom’s perfect life in Rome. The verbal dynamics and the complicated disposal are done to perfection. Chef’s kiss.

2. SHRINKING (APPLE TV+)
Why: A marked improvement over last year’s season. This season may have been all about forgiveness but it was also full of funny lines and moments. The supporting cast really steps up this year.    
MVP: Derek (Ted McGinley) – the quiet husband stepped up with funny this year
Best Episode of 2024: Last Drink (S02E08)
There’s a great flashback to what lead up to Paul’s wife’s death. Paul giving up drinking, Derek learning the truth and Jimmy confronting Louis are full of heart, sadness and humour; it’s an intoxicating mix.

3. SLOW HORSES (APPLE TV+)
Why: Binged the first three seasons in time for this fourth season. While not my favourite of the series, it is still full of sharp spycraft, intriguing characters, and rude smells and comments from Jackson Lamb.
MVP: Jackson Lamb (Gary Oldman) – the smartest man in the room but smelly
Best Episode of 2024: Hello, Goodbye (S04E06)
There are some great reveals throughout the season and River’s grandfather gave an awesome performance but this season ender has lots of great moments from a shoot-out at Slough House to a great chase.

4. ENGLISH TEACHER (FX/DISNEY+)
Why: Scored with awesome eighties tunes, this school comedy made me laugh a lot. While I like the teacher comradery, it’s their interactions with the students that are hilarious. Way more relatable to me than Abbott.
MVP: Jeff (Ben Bondurant) – my favourite student with pitch perfect line delivery
Best Episode of 2024: Powderpuff (S01E02)
While the gun safety episode and class trip are funny, Gwen’s ‘coaching’ of the girl’s football team is cluelessly awesome. Evan getting the players to do full-drag cheerleading is also amazing. The students steal the show. 

5. NOBODY WANTS THIS (NETFLIX)
Why: There is just an utter adorableness to this rom-com. Kirsten Bell and Adam Brody’s chemistry is a stand-out but the ‘supporting’ siblings are also bringing lots of humour to this sweet show. The title is lame though.  
MVP: Noah Roklov (Adam Brody) – his OC charm is on full display in every scene
Best Episode of 2024: Obliterated (S01E04)
While the last-minute sex toy shopping as a first date is a little too sitcom-y for me, the dialogue is fun and endearing. This one also has Sash helping his teenage daughter with boy issues while on mushrooms. Fun stuff.

6. THE DIPLOMAT (NETFLIX)
Why: I was sad this season was only six episodes long. I have enjoyed all the reveals of who was behind the bombings and other political intrigues. The addition of Allison Janney (CJ on West Wing) was great stunt casting.
MVP: Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell) – he’s charming, conniving and make mistakes
Best Episode of 2024: The Other Army (S02E04)
I would say this episode carries on to the end of the season in a breakneck pace. This episode has the fun of all the machinations needed to get a read on the prime minister when he hears what really has been going on.

7. THE BEAR (FX/DISNEY+)
Why: Not my favourite season but that is mostly because it seemed like a placeholder for the next season. Nothing really gets resolved. However, a less than perfect Bear season is still better than a lot of stuff out there.
MVP: Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) – he’s back to petty but more watchable
Best Episode of 2024: Napkins (S03E06)
This is the episode that Liza Colon-Zayas mistakenly won an Emmy for when the ep is eligible for next year. She gives an awesome performance in a flashback of her finding Original Beef of Chicagoland.

8. BLACK DOVES (NETFLIX)
Why: A late-comer to a television season full of spy shows. I’m a big fan of the Kiera Knightley and Ben Whishaw. I enjoyed the tie-in to the Christmas season. There’s a little too much relationship stuff over spy stuff but oh well.
MVP: Sam (Ben Whishaw) – great ruthless assassin with a soft heart
Best Episode of 2024: The Coming Night (S01E03)
There’s a great scene where Sam tries to shield his partner from the gun play surrounding them – it’s beautifully done. This episode also feature a flashback of why Sam’s past is coming back to haunt him.

9. HACKS (HBO MAX)
Why: I do like a look at the comedy industry from behind-the-scenes. I like that Ava got along well with Deborah for most of the season. The B storylines were also working better this season.
MVP: Jimmy (Paul W Downs) – This exasperated agent trying to get stuff done
Best Episode of 2024: Bulletproof (S03E09)
I really wanted to choose the roast episode but this season finale just had more going for it. The rift between Ava and Deborah creates an awesome conclusion that makes me excited about the next season.

10. PRESUMED INNOCENT (NETFLIX)
Why: I love the Harrison Ford movie more but I was still drawn to this series. I like a good courtroom drama although the family stuff was creepier and darker than the film version. I was still eager for each episode though.
MVP: Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard) – so smug and sickly looking against Rusty
Best Episodes of 2024: The Witness (S01E07)
Like I said, I love the courtroom drama. The ep before is also filled with great cross-examinations and a thrilled conclusion, but this one has Rusty doing something more unorthodox when having to change his strategy.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: 2025 Preview

So what’s in your Top 10 for 2024?

Film: A Complete Unknown

 

GENRE: Biopic Drama
RATING: PG (should be PG-13) for language
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 21 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Timothee Chalamet (Dune, Call Me by Your Name, Wonka)
Edward Norton (Fight Club, Glass Onion); Elle Fanning (Super 8, The Great)
DIRECTOR: James Mangold (Walk the Line, Logan, Ford v Ferrari)
WRITERS: Mangold (Cop Land) & Jay Cocks (Gangs of New York, Silence)
PLOT: Newcomer Bob Dylan breaks into the folk scene before transitioning to electric and bunch of stuff in between.     

FULL DISCLOSURE: Didn’t know much about Bob Dylan, just some songs.

STORY STUFF: I love seeing movies that explore the creative process. Watching Chalamet channel Bob Dylan writing his now famous songs and working things out on his guitar gets my creative blood pumping. I did not know about Dylan’s history so I found myself enjoying the ride. Afterward, I found out that most of the story is pretty accurate. There are some amalgamated characters and events to condense the storyline but that is okay as this is not a documentary and I’m fine with the building of the dramatic scenes. The climactic Newport festival where Dylan goes electric is done very well and kind of reminded me of the recent Elvis movie where he decides to do things differently as well. The movie is a tad long but I enjoyed the journey and singing.

ACTING STUFF: Chalamet is electric as Bob Dylan (pun intended). The voice sounds Dylan-esque and he is totally believable as the folk singer. There are times I forgot it was him playing Dylan. The other stand out for me was Norton as Pete Seeger. He does something with his face to make this folk singer look so earnest and supportive. Norton brings this great calmness and made me want to know more about his story. I think Chalamet and Norton should be getting some Oscar nominations for their work. Elle Fanning does a good job as the fictional Sylvie Russo probably based on Suze Rotolo. I don’t like the character at all but I appreciate the work Fanning put into it. Same goes for Monica Barbaro who has a beautiful voice as Joan Baez; I just have never been a Baez fan.

ARTISTIC STUFF: I am always impressed with the production design of making famous New York city streets look like old vibrant postcards. The look is incredible but it is the music that blows you away. All the actors are singing their hearts out and it sounds fantastic. I gotta listen to some more Dylan.  

VERDICT: Four and half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You want to know more about Bob Dylan
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Best of 2024

Film: Carry-On

 

GENRE: Action Thriller
RATING: PG-13 for strong violence and some language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 59 minutes
PLATFORM: Netflix
STARRING: Taron Egerton (Kingsmen, Tetris, Rocketman, Black Bird)
Jason Bateman (Ozark, Game Night); Sofia Carson (Purple Hearts)
DIRECTOR: Jaume Collet-Serra (Jungle Cruise, Black Adam)
WRITER: TJ Fixman (Ratchet & Clank)
PLOT: A terrorist threatens a TSA agent to let a dangerous package on a plane on Christmas Eve.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: Had low expectation.

STORY STUFF: I had heard that people were comparing this film to Die Hard or at least Die Hard 2. The fact that it takes place at an airport is as far as it goes. There is a lot of time focused on Ethan, the TSA agent, just following the instructions of Bateman’s Traveler. The action kicks in during the last quarter of the film. Most of the airport and airplane security was pretty laughable. No one in the baggage conveyer section? Where is the air marshal on that flight? Lots of empty places in this airport considering it is busy Christmas Eve. Even if you plugged all the plot holes, the thriller is just a couple notches above tepid. This is no Die Hard.      

ACTING STUFF: I enjoyed the calmness of Bateman’s baddie; his plan seemed pretty well executed. Egerton’s TSA agent gave a lot of concerned looks but I didn’t find him very captivating. I liked Theo Rossi (The Penguin) as the guy in the van but he was a little too happy hunting down a target.  

ARTISTIC STUFF: Not much to say. There is a fast driving scene with a lot of extremely fake CG action happening outside the windshield. Pretty funny.  

VERDICT: Two stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You want a breezy Christmas film on Netflix.
UPCOMING REVIEW:  September 5, A Complete Unknown

Film: Gladiator II

GENRE: Sword & Sandal Epic
RATING: R for strong bloody violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 28 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Paul Mescal (All of Us Strangers, Aftersun, God’s Creatures)
Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us); Denzel Washington (Flight, Fences)
DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Blade Runner, The Marian, Alien)
WRITER: David Scarpa (Napoleon, The Last Castle)
PLOT: Gladiators fight in the Colosseum as tyrannical emperors rule Rome.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: Skeptical as to why a sequel was needed.

STORY STUFF: Well, that turned out better than I thought it would. I like that they made specific connections to the first Gladiator and that this was not just a retread. I will say that Connie Nielsen has aged incredibly well for sixteen years in the film and 24 in real life. The gladiator fights and the opening battle are top notch and why it is worth the money to see on the big screen. The political intrigue drags at times and I wish people would talk a bit faster instead of milking every line. The story was fine enough but nothing amazing. I was annoyed that someone has to be schooled about Romulus and Remus as they enter Rome. How would they not know that story? Also, why did they talk about the Greek god Poseidon? The Roman god Neptune would be pissed. Also, how did they transport that many sharks into the arena? There is a maybe not intentional “I am Spartacus” moment in the script. Made me laugh.    

ACTING STUFF: I thought Denzel had a smaller supporting role. He is all over this thing and was a treat to watch. Love his laugh. Mescal does an okay job but I wasn’t drawn to him like Russel Crowe. He needs more gravitas. I enjoyed Pascal and wished he had more to do. The twin emperors were good but Fred Hechinger’s Caracalla looked like a demented Ed Sheeran.  

ARTISTIC STUFF: Ridley Scott knows how to stage a battle sequence. It kind of reminded me of Game of Thrones. The gladiator fights were well done but I was more impressed with the first one when the technology was brand new. The archers were amazing– always on target. Haven’t seen this many good shots since Katniss Everdeen. I usually don’t comment on this but kudos to the props team. There is a severed head that looks amazingly real.

VERDICT: Three and half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like a sand and sandals flick with a good amount of blood
UPCOMING REVIEW:  September 5, A Complete Unknown

Film: Wicked

 

GENRE: Musical
RATING: PG for thematic material
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 40 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Cynthia Erivo (The Outsider, Pinocchio, Genius, Harriet)
Ariana Grande (Hairspray Live!, Don’t Look Up); Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton)
DIRECTOR: Jon M. Chu (In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians)
WRITERS: Winnie Holzman (Wicked original musical, My So-Called Life)
Dana Fox (The Lost City, Cruella, Isn’t it Romantic, The Wedding Date)
PLOT: Elphaba, the green witch, and Glinda becomes friends at school long before Dorothy arrives at Oz.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: I’ve seen the Broadway musical six times.

STORY STUFF: I was a little worried going in. This film has been so overblown in its marketing that I was skeptical that it could live up to the hype. I was more than pleasantly surprised. This film does an outstanding job of capturing all the cleverness and amazingness of the stage musical and kicks it up a notch with awesome production design and fun add-ons. Be aware that this is just part one, so it ends when the intermission would happen, which happens to be ‘Defying Gravity’, one of the best act one closing numbers (behind Les Mis’ ‘One Day More’). Despite my love of the songs ‘Popular’ and ‘Defying Gravity,’ I would say my favourite performance is ‘What Is This Feeling?’ which involves the classmates and a lot of great back and forth. While I think the running time is long, I’m not actually sure what I would cut out of this adaptation. You could shave a lingering moment here and there but not much more. My bigger concern is that this first half of the musical is far better than the second half as it has a lot more catchy songs. I hope they can wow me with the second half.  

ACTING STUFF: Not surprisingly, Ariana Grande is perfectly cast as Galinda or later Glinda. She has the singing chops and tosses her hair like a pro. She is mesmerizing and I hear may get an Oscar nomination for her efforts. Erivo also has an amazing voice and plays Elphaba well although I wish there was a bit more apprehension with her friendship with Glinda. The rest of the cast is dynamite and show their enthusiasm on the screen. Jeff Goldblum is fun as the wizard. I always enjoy Bowen Yang (SNL). There is also a wonderful cameo moment I won’t spoil but you can probably guess.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Production design is amazing with it’s beautiful architecture and intricate design. It is a feast for the eyes. It is definitely needed to be seen on the large screen. The costumes match the beauty and weirdness of the stage production. The singing is incredible although I wish my theatre had more surround sound.  

VERDICT: Five stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You’ve seen the musical or haven’t but wanted to
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Gladiator II

Film: Here

 

GENRE: Drama
RATING: PG-13 for brief language and thematic material
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 44 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump; A Man Called Otto; Big, Sully)
Robin Wright (House of Cards; Gump); Paul Bettany (Da Vinci Code)
DIRECTOR: Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump; Back to the Future)
WRITERS: Eric Roth (Gump; Dune: Part One; Ali; A Star is Born)
Zemeckis (Back to the Future; Polar Express; The Walk; Pinocchio)
PLOT: A generational story centered on a place where life happens.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: The experimentation intrigued me.

STORY STUFF: While I liked the concept; the writers squandered so many opportunities in this film. Don’t get me wrong, there are a number of great scenes and clever through-lines but there is also a lot missing. The idea of illness that permeated all the generations was well placed. There is a moment where black parents are giving their child precise instructions on what to do if they are pulled over by a cop. This is done well but would have had more impact if we saw other families giving parental advice to their children also. We get snap shots and drive-by lines to tell the story where a longer scene could help me get more invested in the lives of the characters. There’s a lot more things that could happen in a living room. I also did not believe that no one in the house cared that The Beatles were on Ed Sullivan.

ACTING STUFF: The acting is fine. I was not impressed with any performance in particular. Again this may be because I wasn’t given enough time to fully appreciate each moment in this house.            

ARTISTIC STUFF: I did enjoy the experiment. The camera is locked in place for the entire film; it did not bother me in the slightest. I liked the box-y editing of time switches. I was interested as a video editor. The set dressing was amazing with all the different times represented. I guess you could say the same for the costuming, although Hanks had bad style throughout. The music was a bit overdone at times although I did move my head to a couple of song choices.

VERDICT: Three stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You are interested in the experiment
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Red One; Wicked

Film: Conclave

 

GENRE: Dramatic Thriller
RATING: PG for thematic material and smoking
RUNTIME: 2 hours
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Ralph Fiennes (The Menu, Grand Budapest Hotel, Harry Potter)
Stanley Tucci (Spotlight, Big Night); John Lithgow (Cliffhanger, Footloose)
DIRECTOR: Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front)
WRITER: Peter Straughan (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Goldfinch)
PLOT: The selection of a new pope leads to power struggles and secrets.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: The trailer and high Tomatoes score interested me.

STORY STUFF: I found myself pretty intrigued with the story. The setting was fascinating as the conclave begins to elect a new pope. The sequestering and the process kept me interested. While I expected some power shifts among the cardinals, I was surprised at how relevant it was to current national politics. The pacing is respectfully slow but that is to be expected; it’s not like this is Angels & Demons. There is a great twist that I did not see coming. This film is not for everyone but I certainly enjoyed it.

ACTING STUFF: Fiennes is perfectly cast as Lawrence, the one in charge of the conclave. Tucci & Lithgow also are treat with their feigned righteousness. Another standout for me is the quiet Carlos Hiehz as newcomer Benitez. Great acting all around.           

ARTISTIC STUFF: While I love the Italian architecture of the cathedrals and the eerie claustrophobic residence, it was the cinematography and sound that impressed me the most. The camera glides beautifully along the marble steps and perfectly captures moments of intense scrutiny. The music adds a slightly hair-raising tone with its high-pitched violins. There is also the amazing sound of air swooshing when some doors are closing to signify the sealing in of the cardinals. I love a good restrictive situation (see Die Hard).

VERDICT: Four and half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You are patient for an interesting twist 
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Here

Film: Saturday Night

 

GENRE: Bio-Comedy/Drama
RATING: R for language, sexual references, drug use
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 49 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Gabriel LaBelle (The Fabelmans, Snack Shack)
Rachel Sennott (newcomer); Cory Michael Smith (Gotham, May December)
DIRECTOR: Jason Reitman (Juno, Thank You For Smoking, Up in the Air)
WRITERS: Reitman & Gil Kenan (Ghostbuster: Afterlife & Frozen Empire)
PLOT: It’s an intense 90 minutes before first Saturday Night Live.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: Love SNL. Love behind the scenes. Like Reitman.

STORY STUFF: I am completely biased. (It’s in my full disclosure.) I love this stuff. I have read a lot about the beginnings of SNL. I have done loads of research. And while there are a lot of liberties taken, outright contradictions and ludicrous moments, I loved every minute of it. Reitman has said this is not a documentary. Sure, he is cramming a lot of stuff in a short, time-ticking countdown to the first taping. I forgive it because I know he is going for the chaos, emotions and tensions that go into a live show. As a theatre director, I a feel a smidge of Lorne Michaels’ feelings and this need for a live show to go on, no matter what. I will say the brick laying is a tad much but I get the metaphor. Reitman & Kenan load the script with Easter eggs of future sketches, mostly given to Dan Aykroyd. (The Colon Blow cereal is pretty premature though.) The pace of this film is electrifying and I would love to watch it again to catch more background shenanigans.

ACTING STUFF: It is hard to single out the acting performances. I am extremely impressed with the casting of this film. From big names to no names, I enjoyed everyone’s embodiment of the real people behind Saturday Night Live. Honestly, I would list practically the entire cast as standouts.         

ARTISTIC STUFF: The countdown updates are well utilized. The jazzy music underneath keeps the flow going. The filming style reminded me of Birdman without the pretentiousness of trying to do it all in one “long take”. The make-up, costumes and set design are incredible and make me feel like I’m there, back in 1975.

VERDICT: Five stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You love SNL and enjoy the chaos of opening night.   
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Conclave? Red One?

Film: Joker: Folie a Deux

 

GENRE: Drama/Musical
RATING: R for strong violence and language and brief nudity
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 18 minutes
PLATFORM: Movie Theatre
STARRING: Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line, Gladiator, Napoleon)
Lady Gaga (A Star is Born, House of Gucci); Brendan Gleeson (In Bruges)
DIRECTOR: Todd Phillips (Joker, The Hangover, Old School, Due Date)
WRITERS: Scott Silver (The Fighter, 8 Mile) & Phillips (Old School)
PLOT: Harley Quinn inspires Arthur Fleck while he is on trial for murder.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: Was pretty conflicted after seeing the trailer.

STORY STUFF: While the first Joker film was filled with dramatic contemplation and flights of fancy, there were also some good action sequences and humour. This one it pretty void of action and humour. The prison stuff is dark as it should be, but this is also a courtroom drama and with the exception of Gary Puddles on the stand, I was completely bored. I love courtroom stuff but this just didn’t work. The flights of fancy are musical numbers but they had no life to them. Give me a showstopper. I understand what Phillips was trying to do with this film but I didn’t enjoy the experience.  

ACTING STUFF: Phoenix continues the crazy and calm he brought to the first film. I thought Gaga did a good job as Lee Quinzel but I wanted more crazy from her. I enjoyed Gleeson as one of the guards, I found him captivating. I did not like Harry Lawtey (Industry) as Harvey Dent. What a boring DA. Show me some life. He’s supposed to be Two-Face eventually. Leigh Gill returning as Gary Puddles made the most of his screen time and created instant empathy for his character.        

ARTISTIC STUFF: This film is beautifully shot. It is the biggest highlight of the film for me. The images, the lighting, the movement, the colours all work in tandem to create amazing tableaux. I understand that lyrics and time period dictated the song choices but I was not a fan. Give me something bombastic. These a probably the saddest musical choices I have ever heard.   

VERDICT: Two stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You want a slower version of the first film.  
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Saturday Night

Film: Wolfs

 

GENRE: Crime Action
RATING: R for violent content and language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 48 minutes
PLATFORM: Apple TV+
STARRING: George Clooney (Ocean’s 11, Michael Clayton, Syriana)
Brad Pitt (Ocean’s 11, Fight Club, Babel); Austin Abrams (Paper Towns)
DIRECTOR: Jon Watts (Spider-Man: No Way Home)
WRITER: Jon Watts (Spider-Man: Homecoming)
PLOT: Two rival fixers need to work together to cover up an accident.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: I like seeing these guys work together.

STORY STUFF: This film has a strong start. I like fixers getting information and performing a spotless clean-up (reminding me of Mr. Wolf in Pulp Fiction). Things start to unravel half way through the film where they get the real low-down and end up at a wedding reception. I am not sure what time of night this is supposed to be as there are lots of people around at some points and the streets are pretty empty around the same time. In the end, I was not too invested on how the film would conclude. That’s a problem. It’s too bad given the great beginning.

ACTING STUFF: You can tell that Clooney and Pitt just enjoy working together even if they are sniping at each other throughout. They play up their age nicely as they grunt almost every time they have to bend down or crouch. Not sure how Abrams has the energy he does in a chase scene but does a decent job acting alongside Clooney and Pitt.       

ARTISTIC STUFF: There is a fun slickness to the film that I enjoyed. Watts amps up the humour whenever he can. There’s not much else to say here.  

VERDICT: Three and a half stars out of five
SEE IT IF: You like seeing Clooney and Pitt have fun on film.
UPCOMING REVIEW:  Joker: Folie a Deux